Lakers and $: Mo money, fewer problems

Ignoring for a moment that the Celtics have apparently scored one more win over the Lakers for 2008,Mo_money_mo_problems more encouraging economic data was put out today by Bizjournals.com, declaring the purple and gold the second most successful NBA team "at the twin missions of professional sports -- winning games and making money." The run to the Finals combined with strong home and road attendance (which continues this season) and a tidy 4% gain in total franchise value are cited as reasons for the strong showing.